Dakar, Senegal

 

 

Produce, household goods, and jewelry lined the sidewalks.

Women in brightly colored dresses balanced bowls filled with cloth dolls on their heads.

It is better to walk than curse the road. – Wolof (tribal, Senegal) proverb

Yes, street vendors can be persistent in Dakar, but it is part of the culture and experience, best treated with good humor. We made our way along the bustling port to the to the local ferry stop, winding our way through the hubbub of the street.
We were headed for the Île de Gorée on a Saturday, the ferry teeming with families, other tourists, and peanut vendors.

Until Dakar was established in the mid-19th century, Île de Gorée was a leading commercial trade center. From the 16th century, shipping barons also profited from intertribal rivalries; victors sold the defeated into slavery. “There it is,” a father told his little boy, pointing to a building just in sight– “The Door of No Return”.

We docked and headed for the Maison des Esclaves (Slave House) 1776, preserved as a memorial to past horrors. Looking out the door through which thousands passed, we could see only the ocean. Inside were holding cells, chains… symbols of man’s inhumanity to man.

Today the house was filled with tourists, taking photos in what might for some have been the path of their forefathers.

Now the island is an inviting weekend destination, an escape from the city, with ochre-colored colonial houses, gardens, museums, schools, restaurants and shops.

Warm breezes carry the scent of fragrant flowers.

Children scurry along the underground passages of the fortress; others enjoy spectacular views.

Shopping here is more laid-back than the markets of Dakar. There were colorful wares from throughout Africa — batik cloth, and caftans, jewelry, masks, sand paintings and wood carvings – for sale.

We bought cloth dolls from one of the young women eager to make a sale. She followed us, pressing into my hand two colorful bracelets, “A gift to nice people”, she said, “a souvenir”— now a personal treasure.

There was time to walk along the streets and see the center of Dakar…

…from the Place de l’Indépendence to the handicraft markets.

…and the Palais Présidential, surrounded by lush gardens.

We returned to the ship just in time for the folkloric show. It featured energetic local dancers, musicians and firebreathers–all this in just one of the 21 days of our Princess Cruises transatlantic adventure.

 

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